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Crime Reporter 

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) have expressed concern over the increase in murder cases emanating from domestic disputes and robberies countrywide.

Most of the cases were reported and some of the suspects were arrested while others are still at large. Police are still investigating some of the cases.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi urged the public to value the sanctity of human life.

“The ZRP is warning members of the public against settling disputes through violence. This comes after an incident in Battlefields, Kadoma on February 21, 2021 where two men fatally assaulted a fellow villager with a cooking stick several times all over the body after a dispute over cattle which strayed and destroyed crops,” he said.

“The victim was seriously injured and later died in hospital. The two suspects were apprehended by the police.”

A 31-year-old woman who had visited her sister was also killed by unknown assailants in Chinhoyi under unclear circumstances.

“The ZRP is appealing for information which may lead to the arrest of murder suspects in a case which occurred between February 15 and February 17, 2021 at Plot 74, R1 Village, Two-Tree in Chinhoyi,” Asst-Comm Nyathi said.

“The victim who had visited her sister went missing on February 15 and was found dead near Two-Tree Dam on February 17. In a similar incident, police in Mahuhwe arrested two suspects over a murder, which occurred at Kauswa village under Chief Matsivo where a suspected thief was fatally assaulted by a mob.”

Asst-Comm Nyathi said the suspects were part of the mob which fatally assaulted the victim after accusing him of stealing a dish. 

“Members of the public are advised not to put the law into their own hands. Investigations are underway,” he said.

Police in Zhombe are also looking for three suspects in connection with another murder case, which occurred at Ngingeni Business Centre on February 17. The trio is alleged to have accused the victim aged 30 of stealing from one of the suspects before they took turns to assault him with a knobkerrie, empty beer bottle and sticks several times all over his body.